VR Kits: A Quick How To

If you have been hesitant to try out the new kits, we know this lesson will having you exploring VR in a GIFfy. It is easier than you might think. Special thanks to Kevin Thomas for his help with the videography and to Amanda Molina for her acting talents, and, of course, special thanks to the Valencia Foundation and the Dr. P. Phillips Foundation Chair in Free Enterprise for making all of this a possibility.

Prior to using the kits with your students, we recommend that you check out a kit and give the tools a try. Here are a few quick steps for you. Also, remember that there are a wide variety of free resources you can use in your classroom. If you are ready to jump in, check out the GIFs below; if you would prefer a walk through orientation to the VR tools, or if you would like to get together and brainstorm ideas, just shoot me an email. I am happy to meet you at the CTLI and share ideas.

Step 2: Ask to Check Out a VR Kit

Step 3: Give the Headsets a Try

Open the Headset

Add a Smart Phone

Adjust the Focus

Control Content with the Capacitive Touch Button

Step 4: Try Out Some Free VR Resources

As you brainstorm ideas for how to connect your students to the world, try out some of these free resources.

VeeR.TV: VeeR VR is a global VR Video Community with an extensive library of wonderful, free VR content. They boast VR fans posting from 160 different countries. I recommend you start with the editor’s picks of the day and then search for content you can use in your classroom. Android – Apple

Google Cardboard – Google Cardboard is a virtual reality (VR) platform developed by Google for use with a head mount for a smartphone. Named for its fold-out cardboard viewer, It is a great starter app to learn and explore VR. Android – Apple

Google Expeditions – “Bring Your Lessons To Life! Imagine exploring coral reefs or the surface of Mars in an afternoon. With Expeditions, teachers can take students on immersive, virtual journeys. Android – Apple

Discovery VR – Discovery has entered a new chapter of story telling. Their Virtual Reality can take you to new worlds like never before, immersing you in time, space and story. Try this app to get a first look at their latest productions — from shark-infested shipwrecks to free boarding the windiest street in the world — with much more to come. Welcome to Discovery” VR. Android – Apple